Iran-5+1 talks likely to be held in April: Russian deputy FM

TEHRAN, March 22 (MNA) - The next round of talks between Iran and the six major powers on Tehran’s nuclear program is likely to be held in April, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Thursday, RIA Novosti reported.

Ryabkov said, “The date of the six-party meeting is not yet fixed but will clearly be in April,” he said.

The Israeli daily Haaretz, quoting unidentified U.S. and EU officials, wrote on Wednesday that discussions between Iran and the 5+1 group (the United States, Britain, France, Russia, China, and Germany) over the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program will begin on April 13.

Haaretz also reported that the talks are likely to take place in Geneva.

Ryabkov added that a venue for the talks has not yet been fixed.

“There is less clarity about where they will take place than when,” he stated, adding, “I said April, but the city is not yet decided.”

However, the Persian service of the Fars News Agency quoted an unidentified informed source on Thursday as saying that no decision has been made yet on the date and venue for the talks.